China’s military flexes its muscles near Australia, disrupting dozens of commercial flights with little warning. The aggressive naval exercises in the Tasman Sea have sparked a diplomatic standoff as Beijing refuses to apologize for actions many see as deliberately provocative.
At a Glance
- China conducted live-fire naval exercises between Australia and New Zealand with minimal advance notice
- The drills forced 49 flights to be rerouted and triggered diplomatic backlash from both countries
- China’s Ambassador to Australia refused to apologize, claiming the exercises complied with international law
- Australian officials learned of the drills only after they had already begun
- The incident highlights China’s growing military ambitions in the South Pacific region
China’s Bold Military Maneuver
In a brazen display of military power, Chinese warships conducted live-fire exercises in international waters between Australia and New Zealand, causing major disruptions to commercial air traffic and igniting fresh tensions in the region. The naval task group, consisting of a frigate, cruiser, and replenishment vessel, operated in Australia’s exclusive economic zone without providing adequate warning to regional authorities, forcing dozens of aircraft to alter their flight paths to ensure passenger safety.
Australian Defense Minister Richard Marles acknowledged the unusual nature of China’s military activity in the region. “That was not unprecedented, but unusual,” Marles stated, reflecting growing concern within Australia’s defense establishment about Beijing’s increasing military assertiveness in proximity to Australian shores. The drills represent a significant escalation in China’s naval activities in the South Pacific, an area traditionally influenced by Western allies.
China secures maritime presence in Cook Islands
A day after China warned its three military ships would be live weapons testing between New Zealand and Australia, the Cook Islands has today released a controversial agreement indicating Beijing has secured a maritime presence… pic.twitter.com/HHWgOWlNGl
— Indo-Pacific News – Geo-Politics & Defense (@IndoPac_Info) February 22, 2025
Diplomatic Fallout
The Chinese Ambassador to Australia, Xiao Qian, has defiantly rejected calls for an apology, further inflaming tensions between the two nations. In a statement that underscores China’s increasingly assertive foreign policy under President Xi Jinping, Xiao dismissed concerns about the military exercises and suggested Australians should expect more Chinese naval activities in their backyard in the future.
“I don’t see there is any reason why the Chinese side should feel sorry about that, or even to think about to apologize for that,” Xiao Qian said.
New Zealand’s Defense Minister Judith Collins revealed the inadequate notification provided by Chinese forces, stating that the live fire activities happened on “a couple of hours’ notice” rather than the expected 12 to 24 hours. This stands in stark contrast to claims by China’s Defense Ministry spokesperson Wu Qian that Chinese vessels “repeatedly issued safety notices in advance” – a statement Australian officials have directly contradicted.
The second live-fire exercise conducted by the Chinese Navy in the Tasman Sea took place on Saturday afternoon, February 22, 2025, New Zealand time (Friday evening, February 21, PST). This followed a similar exercise the previous day, Friday, February 21, 2025. Here’s what is…
— Ministry of Terrible Takes (@MinistryOTT) February 22, 2025
Strategic Implications
The timing of these naval exercises appears deliberately calculated to undermine Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s claims of improved relations with China. National security experts see this as part of a broader pattern of Chinese military expansion throughout the Pacific region that directly challenges American allies and Western influence. The incident exposes potential vulnerabilities in Australia’s defense posture and intelligence capabilities.
“If the Australian Prime Minister admits that this stabilization of the Australia-China relationship has done nothing to stop China’s growing aggression towards our military in the wider region, it undercuts their signature foreign policy achievement,” said Michael Shoebridge, a former Australian defense and security official.
Australian air traffic control reportedly first learned about the drills from a Virgin Australia pilot who intercepted a Chinese message on an emergency radio channel. Australia’s Defense Chief, David Johnston, admitted that the Defense Department likely became aware of the drill more than 30 minutes after it had already begun – a revelation that raises serious questions about Australia’s military readiness and surveillance capabilities under the current administration.
